Memphis 80s #6

Another hot day. Sure makes ya feel like just lazing around and we pretty much are. Did make a Costco run because I was out of my magnesium supplement. What a zoo! There was only one person in there who showed good manners - a little old Chinese woman. Everyone else acted as if he/she was the only person in the store. Didn't bother to look to see if anyone was coming before making wild turns. Didn't think about stopping in the middle of an aisle in such a way that you couldn't get by while they stood there playing with their phone or just looking off into space. It's a wonder more children don't get run over in that store!

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zyynb4um9g6nm9s/ws_Memphis80s_6.zip?dl=0

I wasn't planning on doing anything for July 4th (scrapwise I mean) but got to fooling around and decided to make a couple quick pages. Turns out it will be a little more than that. Not a full kit but some stuff. So check in on July 4 for another freebie

Have to share this old photo I came across. Can you imagine going to the beach dressed like this? I'm imagining this old woman falling out with from heat stroke moments after the photographer snapped this photo.

Summer Time & Memphis 80s

Today's theme of Memphis 80s goes right along with summer!

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/acwe5s9jyyx0j9x/ws_Memphis80s_5.zip?dl=0

More of Memphis 80s - Music Anyone?

Last week I got yet another inhaler. The second one I was given was called Anoro; the PA was so pleased to tell me you don't need to rinse your mouth afterwards. Wrong! It left a horrible taste in my mouth that rinsing didn't take care of. Brushing the teeth didn't remove it. The only way to get rid of the taste was to swish cola around in the mouth or suck on a strong flavored hard candy. I stuck it out a week but didn't see any difference so gave it up. The newest is Stiolto which is an aerosol but such that you don't have to time the release just right or use a spacer. So far, so good. While you are reading today's post, I'll be out to lunch with the Sentara ladies. Going to Cracker Barrel this time. I'm trying to figure out what we (hubby and I) will be doing for our 22nd anniversary on 7/6. Fourth of July week isn't very amenable to going somewhere. As it is, we have a HRT retiree lunch on 7/2 and then 7/3 I'm back to the pulmonologist and then down the street to another doctor check in. I'm thinking it might be best to postpone any celebration or day trip to the following week. He keeps asking me what I'd like for a gift but we had agreed a couple months ago that he was going to get a pistol and take lessons for self defense with it and for me I was going to pay for my workout club. We've done both of those things already and I hadn't planned on getting him another gift as his gun, supplies, range membership etc turned out to be rather pricey. He got the better end of this deal in terms of costs but that's okay with me. Still, maybe I do deserve a little something more, but what?

Anyway, today we have a touch of music in our zip:

[why isn't goggle picking up the preview?]
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6xsnuvga2y3tfb5/ws_Memphis80s_4.zip?dl=0

Saturday freebie

Yesterday marked the end of my 4th week of 3x/weekly pool exercise. I realize that doesn't sound like a big deal to most of you, but it is for me. With my COPD a bit worse, fibro ever presnt, and my body out of shape from so much inactivity over the last couple years, this execise habit I'm forming is a big deal. And last visit to pulmonologist my blood pressure (already fine) dropped nearly 20 points! Even if I can't see much change yet, this routine must be doing me some good.

Did I mention that last week researchers caught a 13 foot great white shark off the Virginia Beach coast? They were going to tag him, but he broke away. Thinking back to how much the beach, usually Ocean View on the Chesapeake Bay but sometimes Virginia Beach and Sandbridge, were part of my childhood. We didn't think anything of going into the water. Oh, our parents warned us of riptides and sometimes, while standing in the Bay crabbing, our toes felt a crab nibble. The thing that worried us the most was watching out for the jellyfish which were sometimes plentiful. No one wanted to be stung. Last time I took a stroll along the Bay front, I was appalled at all the trash that had washed up. So much broken glass, even what appeared to be hypodermic needles! Who wants to chance their children swimming out in that mess? And yet they still do, even along areas of the North Carolina coast where there have been numerous shark sightings and several attacks. We are just drawn to water, aren't we? At this point in my life, I prefer swimming pools where I can see clear to the concrete bottom. Yesterday, I had the pool all to myself and it was heaven! So peaceful and soothing.

Today's zip of Memphis 80s features a favorite summertime (although all year round too) activity: riding a skateboard. I remember in high school when it became a big fad. At the time I was a Twiggy look-alike in terms of body - 5'6" tall and only 86 pounds! I couldn't gain weight no matter what. As you can imagine, I was quite awkward and unathletic. Never did master the art of skateboard riding.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4z7g40sa2jnr3r/ws_Memphis80s_3.zip?dl=0

Heat & freebie

Writing this on 6/19 to post Thursday. Super hot today - with heat index up to 3 digits. Heat and humidity making it difficult to breathe. Supposed to get storm front on Wednesday to cool things down a little. Now trying a 3rd inhalor for COPD. At pulmonology visit my blood pressure was 106/? - anyway lowest I can remember in a long time. Result of exercise program? Sticking to it with this 4th week.

Today's zip of Memphis 80s:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0pshblhq6zovrm/ws_Memphis80s_2.zip?dl=0

Ever heard of Memphis Design? A new freebie

When I hear "Memphis" I think of Memphis, TN, country and rock 'n roll music. So a few months back when I started receiving free design resources from companies I'd used in the past and they were labeled "Memphis Design" or some variation, I looked at the largely abtract, geometric designs in bright colors and wondered what it was all about. I began looking around the web for information on so called Memphis Design and here is what I learned.

[Apologies but I can't read the sources of this info that I jotted down in a hurry.] "It's December of 1980 and an architect/designer called Ettore Sottsass rallies his group of creative friends for a meeting. . . . let's take everything people consider "wrong" in design and make a badass movement that celebrates unrestricted creative exploration. Let's rebel against the uniform, slick, minimalist aesthetic of the 70s and stand for something radical instead. Memphis and the Sottsass Association group were born."
At its core, Memphis was drawing inspiration from a few existing design movements, which you'll spot throughout:
Art Deco: in its appreciation of striking geometric figures
Pop Art: evident in their use of bold color palettes
1950’s Kitsch: a total departure from the constrained, minimalist design of the 70s.
The movement became so influential that the Wall Street Journal recently reported a resurgence of a certain "neo-Memphis" aesthetic, claiming that "for many postmillennial designers around the globe, Memphis is a major source of inspiration". In this new wave, however, designers are opting for higher quality materials like metals and marble instead of plastic. . . .
Rebellious and daring, Memphis has been called all sorts of things. SFGate recently called it "a shotgun wedding between Bauhaus and Fisher-Price" — which, to be honest, isn't too far from reality. Using 80s pop culture references, Gizmodo also described Memphis as "Pee-Wee's Playhouse meets Miami Vice. It's Saved By The Bell plus Beetlejuice."


In short, we can say there are three components that make up Memphis Design
1. Typography: You want to choose fonts that complement this style's geometric feel. Art Deco inspired fonts are perfect picks, since they capture both the sharp edges and smooth curves that characterize geometric shapes. They are also reminiscent of a time that also inspired Memphis group founders.
2. Patterns: Here's where it can get a bit tricky. Unlike previous design movements, Memphis embraced a somewhat chaotic, free-spirited approach to backgrounds. It isn't uncommon to spot thin, straight lines in stark contrast with organic, free-flowing dots and structured 3D shapes. Thinking about toys and play definitely helps.
3. Color: You don't want understated tones. Look for color palettes that bring dynamism and joy, without necessarily following the rules of "what's right". Memphis founders didn't care either.

With the above information in mind, I decided I'd make use of the materials sent to me and create a kit for you that should work for any 1980s photos you might have lying around. I chose this as my color scheme:

I've finished the kit, Memphis 80s, so tried to put together an overall preview for you.

It's cluttered and not a whole lot of use. at least I don't think so. So I tried some other previews:
Here's one with just the 24 papers:

And one with just elements:

Of course, you will also get individual previews for each zip. Note too that since this kit was finished before I began posting, you can save just one copy of TOU and credits.

Today 2 papers and some examples of Memphis furnishings:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lq1l7egsn8c4gmc/ws_Memphis80s_1.zip?dl=0

Apologies! Zip link added to part 14

Thank you all for the lovely comments on Larkin's Dream. So glad you have enjoyed it. Don't know how I missed adding link for zip 14 but it's corrected now so go back to that post and pick it up.

* Special note to Bonnie: I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. Sending you thoughts, prayers and hugs. And thank you for your sympathy with my grief.

Last of Larkin's Dream freebie

We've sent Larkin back to her bed now, to awaken from her dream. (BTW sorry I switched tenses on last part.) Now here are those extra elements I mentioned:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/y5ohus44l16l9of/ws_LarkinsDream_15.zip?dl=0
And for those of you who like an overall preview:

May I suggest something that will save you a little space on your hard drive? Folders take up space and so do all the info files that come in individual zips. For a kit that is given in separate zips, we'll use Larkin's Dream as an example, do this. First make a folder with the designer name_kit name, so here it would be ws_LarkinsDream. Now dump all those individual zips inside this folder. Next in this main folder make a folder called LarkinsDream_elements (or just elements) and one called LarkinsDream_papers (or just papers). With my kits you can always go to the last zip of the kit, open it and cut the TOU and credits page (It will be the most complete) and dump those into the main file. Now go to each zip folder and delete the TOU and credits for some space saving. With other designers, you might have to check their credits file if seperate or TOU to see if they are all the same. If the designer completed the entire kit before offering it and gave an overall preview, you can be safe in assuming that one copy of the TOU and credits are all you need. Next, open the first zip file and in that open the elements folder. Cut and paste those elements into the elements folder in the main folder. Do the same with each zip folder. You should be left with only an empty elements folder in each zip file. Ignore them for now. Next, we want to do the same thing with papers, cutting them from individual zip folders and dumping into the main papers folder. This should leave you with a bunch of individual zip folders in which are empty folders for elements and papers. So just highlight those useless individual zip folders (with subfolders inside) and delete them. You end up with one main folder for the kit containing a folder full of elements, a folder full of papers, and one copy TOU and credits. Of course, it is easiest to do this as you collect the individual zips but any time you see your hard drive space diminishing, you can often save space by eliminating as many unecessary folders, TOUs and credits as you can.

Larkin's Dream freebie

I'm still going through vintage magazines and wanted to show you some of the elaborate costumes that were offered as sketches. Costume parties must have been all the rage at the end of the 1800's and early 1900's.

Larkin's Dream is drawing to a close. There will be one more zip after today and that will include elements that didn't go into previous zips.

All that walking around, playing with baby unicorns, and sugary snacks was making Larkin drowsy. The fairies led her to a lovely carriage drawn by winged unicorns. It was time for Larkin to go home and back to bed. Waiting for her on the carriage seat was a gift box and inside it was a toy unicorn. "Thank you for visiting us," the fairies said. "We love you and wanted you to have this toy unicorn to keep to remind you of your visit here in Dreamland." "Dreamland?" Larkin asked and yawned. The last thing she would remember about the dream when she awoke clutching her new toy, was the sound of the fairies giggles.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hdtketr91xx6zgb/ws_LarkinsDream_14.zip?dl=0
See you again Saturday with that last zip and next week something totally different.

New week, same freebie series

Oops! I meant to pre-schedule this post for Tuesday since I'm running Tues, Thurs, Sat. now. Oh well, it published so you have your Tuesday early.
I spent a good deal of time this weekend going through vintage women's and fashion magazines on-line. Came across references to collections held on-line by a number of European universities and had to check them out. Time consuming since each collection seems to have a different system. You can think you are seeing mention of a new magazine issue only to find it it was packaged in something you looked at previously. Then there is the matter of figuring out how to copy or download items you might be interested in. My primary interest was in finding vintage embroidery motifs to use in crazy quilting and maybe some unique crochet trims. These things may be found in general women's magazines, some times in fashion magazines too since they often highlight decorative trends of the time. Patterns other than embroidery designs and some clothing tend to be what we might call sketches. The clothing patterns certainly aren't full size so they had to be drawn out using the magazine "patterns" as guides. Projects of all kinds are just shown as finished sketches, maybe with a close up of embroidery motif or other detail. You had to use your own creativity with sketch as a guide. One popular project was elaborate lamp shades like these:

Sorry, that really wasn't one I wanted to show but it will do for now.

Wall pockets were also a favorite project and were used to store things like brush & comb, pocket watches etc

And yes, that sketch is all you had to go with. Had to be pretty clever, huh?

Larkin's Dream
Of course, Larkin would need something to drink to wash those cupcakes (she ate two) down. Tiny suggested bubble tea. "Well, I do drink tea with Nonna . . . ." "This is chilled, fruity tea with a surprise at the bottom," Tiny explained. "The bubbles are fruit flavored chewies!" She offered Larkin a choice of blueberry, strawberry, kiwi, plum or mango. Mimi suggested Larkin try the mango. She sipped it cautiously at first then decided she liked it.

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o85swgbm7rn430p/ws_LarkinsDream_13.zip?dl=0

They come in 3s & Saturday freebie

My mother used to say that deaths come in 3s. It does seem that way. My Dad in February, Tyler's paternal grandmother last month, and my DIL's mother yesterday. My son and DIL's anniversary is June 11. They had planned a vacation in Florida this year for their anniversary. But they had a very bad day yesterday. Their first flight was leaving from Baltimore so they drove from Pennsylvania around 4:00 a.m. About halfway to Baltimore they stopped to get some coffee and DIL discovered she had left her purse and ID at home, so back to PA they drove. Got to Baltimore, paid extra for valet parking and just missed their flight. Paid for another. Got to Atlanta for last flight and were on the plane when Berkeley got notice her mother had died. She went to pilot with the news and he arranged for them to get off the plane. Back to Baltimore to pick up their car, then on the road to Richmond, VA where they finished the day in the funeral home making arrangements for cremation. Son is being supportive but bummed about loss of much needed vacation and all the lost money. Viewing is tomorrow but I won't be going. Will go up for memorial however, which is expected to be a couple weeks from now. Meanwhile have contacted B's sister and father with sympathies.

Learned yesterday that my labs were good except I'm low in magnesium and that is probably what is causing the plantar fasciities. Started taking supplement again and did my third day of pool for this week. I feel like my posture is improving a little but still pretty tired so stamina lacking. Trying new inhaler but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Oddly enough, you aren't supposed to have to rinse your mouth after taking this one but I sure do. Really need my energy to pick up because so much needs doing around here.

Suddenly Mimi clapped her hands. "Cupcakes!" she exclaimed and looked at Larkin. "Isn't that your favorite treat?" "I love cupcakes!" Larkin agreed. And off they went to search out cupcakes. They found a good variety. It was just a matter of making a choice.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hik1n64s2910ywu/ws_LarkinsDream_12.zip?dl=0
Note: That is a big border, just sized to show hole thing in preview. Also, cupcakes and cake stand included as separate items.

Thursday freebie of Larkins Dream

I missed my pool time yesterday. Went to doctor for regular checkup just before noon. Talked to him about pain in left heel - could barely walk. He says I have plantar fasciites. Gave me some exercises to do and is checking my potasium and magnesium levels. Thought I would take about an hour's nap when I got home but slept until dinnertime! Have to make up for missed pool session today. Last night hubby heard from the real Larkin. Her maternal grandmother (hubby's ex-wife) had called him about a month ago to say Larkin keeps asking about us. Knowing that her daughter has burned bridges with my husband, she decided to act in Larkin's favor and had said she would get Larkin to call and she'd even be happy to transport Larkin to see us. Looks like we might get to see the little girl - she just turned 8 yesterday - after all.

Now here is latest xip:
"I know," Tiny says, "Cookies and milk?" She waves away some mist to reveal a large jar of cookies and a pitcher of milk. The cookies look yummy, but Larkin hesitates. Away to her right, she spots three adolescent unicorns in rapt conversation.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlllr5u6t241nun/ws_LarkinsDream_11.zip?dl=0

More of Larkin's Dream freebie

Wrote this post last night but Google seemed to have devoured it. I was so upset but tired so decided to go on to bed, thinking I'd have to do it all over again today. But when I opened the blog to post, I found yesterday's post got saved as a draft. Anyway, worn out today, a little short of breath too. Saw NP at pulmonologist's office today to recheck after starting trial of new inhaler. I didn't really see any difference. So got samples of another today and have to go back in two weeks. Left heel is killing me. Bone spur? bruised it somehow? don't know as it looks okay but hurts to stand or walk on.

Going to try going to just posting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I got in bad habit of spending too much time on computer while Dad was ailing. I was so exhausted emotionally, mentally and physically, just sitting at computer was about all I felt like doing. Not good. Now I'm working on making some life style changes. 3x/week for pool exercise, trying bullet journaling (which so far has just been using it as an agenda), taking a Sara Wiseman course, "Messages From The Divine," trying to get into a routine with housework, exploring some vintage embroidery designs from the 20s to perhaps use in crazy quilting. I'm after getting my strength and endurance up, improving my lung capacity and oxygen diffusion, nurturing my spirit, nurturing my creativity, getting house clean and in order. (Yes, I did notice the order I put that in. What can I say?) Want to have more contact with friends and family. Want to get back to some dedicated writing time. I also have been thinking about what I might do while sitting with hubby to watch TV in evenings. Too warm now to start another crochet project so I'm thinking about embroidering some patches of fabric to be used in crazy quilt blocks. It's been a long time since I've done that.

[Monday 6/4] Went back to the pool today. Walked in various ways (forward, backward, crab walk, march, etc.) around pool enough times to equal a quarter mile before doing the usual exercises. Up to 15 reps now. Might have overdone it a little as I have discomfort and tightness in left shoulder and upper back. Will apply heat wrap after dinner.

Here is today's Larkin's Dream

Mimi (the pink fairy) joins them. "How about a snow cone or a popsicle?" she asks. "No, thank you. I don't want anything cold." They decide to walk on a little. In the distance, Larkin sees another adult unicorn.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xlhy8y5nhy4vjni/ws_LarkinsDream_10.zip?dl=0

Stormy day with more of Larkin's Dream

Playing with the baby unicorns is great fun but also tiring. When Larkin's energy begins to fail, Tiny leads her away. Larkin smooths her dress while Tiny tidies Larkin's hair and adjusts her tiara. "I will never, ever forget this!" Larkin tells her. "I think you need a rest break and some refreshment." Larkin agrees with Tiny and slowly follows her as she leads away from the meadow. Tiny can tell just how tired Larkin is when she makes no comment about the cake pop path they walk through to reach a pretty little bench.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bbulzei9w0l8pcc/ws_LarkinsDream_9.zip?dl=0

Friday and freebie

Not a clever title, but that's not what's important, right? Right now I'm tired after spending an hour at the pool doing my exercises. 3 days this week! Sky is looking clearer but my headache is threatening to come back. Crazy sinuses.

Following the purple fairy down a path that branches off to the rght, Larkin begins to see flashes of white and rainbow colors. As the mists part in front of them, she sees two adult unicorns standing guard over a meadow full of baby unicorns. "Hi Una and Berry" the fairy says, addressing the unicorns. "Hello Tiny. Who is this little Princess?" the pink unicon asks. "This is my friend, Larkin, and she would love to get a close look at the babies. She's a good girl and won't harm them." Una and Berry circle Tiny and Larkin, sniffing Larkin's scent. Nervously, Larkin says, "I promise I won't get too near. I love unicorns and don't want to hurt any. I won't even try to pet one, unless you say it's okay." Una made a sound that was between a neigh and a giggle and Berry spoke up. "We can tell you are a good little princess but are you ready to be surrounded by a bunch of playful babies?" "Oh yes!" "I warn you," Berry continued, "they will all be running up to you , nudging you, wanting to see if you have any treats for them and wanting to be petted." Larkin frowns and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't think to bring any treats. I don't even know what baby unicorns may have." Una and Berry tell her not to worry because the babies have just been fed a short while ago. And into the meadow they go. Larkin is surprised that all the babies in this group are white with rainbow manes and tails. As the little ones nudge her with their noses and she gets the okay to pet them, Una explains that as the babies grow, they will begin to change their colors, gradually having the colors of their adult lives.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ihc7bf8lxmljna9/ws_LarkinsDream_8.zip?dl=0

*** Waving at Kristy - How is your Mother doing? She is in my prayers